Things to do in Budapest on 1 January

The very first day of 2018 offers a lot in Budapest for people who does not want a quiet day or does not need to recover from the excesses of the night before. There are some special Hungarian traditions (such as eating lentils on 1 January will lead to wealth), and for many, it is the last day of the Christmas holiday before they return to work, therefore try to live this day as much as possible.

New Year’s Day River Cruises in Budapest

Budapest Winter Cruise – Marta Troicka Photography

Welcome the New Year of 2018 on a wonderful NY Day Budapest River Cruise on the Danube with live music. Sightseeing, lunch cruises are available throughout the day and in the evening you can choose from a la carte, or buffet style dinner cruises most of them featuring live music. Make your New Year’s Day truly special!

Please note that massage appointments and private baths are subject to availability as massage hours are limited. New Year’s Day is expected to be very busy in the Baths, so advance booking is highly recommended.

Please note that the ticket & massage prices are going to change from Jan 8.

Budapest Concerts on Jan 1

New Year’s Day Gala Concert

Gala Concert in Budapest on NYD

New Years’s Day Gala Concert in Budapest Danube Palace, performed by the Danube Symphony Orchestra on 1st January, 2017 from 8.00 pm. You can also book tickets with a 10pm Late Night Dinner Cruise included after the Gala Concert.

New Year’s Gala at the Opera House

The audience will be greeted by the entire company of the Hungarian State Opera with a New Year’s Gala at the Erkel Theater with poetry, ballet and classical music. The greeting will also go out to Hungarians living abroad by way of Duna Television. The young students of the Ballet Institute of the Opera will also step out on the stage for the first time.

Budapest Tours on Jan 1

Budapest Chain Bridge in Snow – Mispahn Photography

Buda Castle Tours on 1 January

The Castle District in Budapest inevitably attracts tourists all year round, whether it is the first or the last day of the year The 2-hour-long Buda Castle Guided Walking Tour provodes a perfect opportunity to see some of the top tourist attractions.

Budapest Winter Buda Castle Hill – Rachel Titiriga Photography

Christmas Markets on January 1 in Budapest

Come and visit Budapest’s Christmas Fairs if you want to buy something unique and original in either the heart of the city at the end of Vaci utca, right in front of the prestigious Gerbeaud Coffee House or by the magnificent Basilica Building, near Deak square.

Budapest Christmas Market Foods Sausage

Smell the scent of traditional honey cookies, mulled wine, cinnamon, sausages and take the rich fragrant with you home.

The St Stephen’s Basilica Christmas Market will welcome visitors on the very first day of 2018 too.